The man whose vision and direction helped create one of the country's most successful master-planned communities in The Woodlands, George P. Mitchell, died July 26. Mitchell passed away at age 94 at his home in Galveston.

Bruce Tough, chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors, said Mitchell had recently been in poor health. Born in Galveston on May 21, 1919, and a graduate of Texas A&M University, Mitchell founded The Woodlands—one of the most successful master-planned communities in the country—in 1974.

"I still refer to him as Mr. Mitchell, as do most people," Tough said. "He was a great man who did great things."

Alex Sutton and Tim Welbes, co-presidents of The Woodlands Development Company, said in a prepared statement they were saddened by Mitchell's passing.

"He will be forever remembered as a true visionary and philanthropist who helped shape the state of Texas and the world with his innovative ideas on energy, community development, science and technology," Sutton and Welbes said. "The initiatives he started and so generously supported throughout his lifetime will continue to have a far-reaching effect on energy production and global sustainability."

Welbes and Sutton said people who live and work in The Woodlands are indebted to Mitchell for his vision for the community.

"He created one of the most successful models for master-planned community developments in the world by providing for the civic, cultural and spiritual needs of residents as well as superior infrastructure, all with extreme care for the forested environment," they said.

Roger Galatas served as one of the original developers of The Woodlands and was hired by Mitchell in the early 1970s.

"I worked for him closely for 20 years and had a chance to get to know him and his family, and his wonderful wife Cynthia, who was a guiding light for a lot of us in The Woodlands," Galatas said. "It's a great family, and he will be missed."

He said Mitchell conducted a lot of business over the telephone, often making phone calls late at night to discuss issues.

"George Mitchell was a tremendous, inspirational person to work with," Galatas said. "He had vision and tenacity and ability to keep focused on building one of the best communities in the country. The Woodlands is a tribute to his real estate knowledge and his commitment to building this community."

Galatas attributed much of the recent national success of the shale and oil gas plays to Mitchell's contributions to the energy sector. But whether it was in oil and gas or The Woodlands' development or the smallest detail, Galatas said Mitchell cared about every issue.

"No issue was too big for George and no detail was too small," Galatas said. "He had the full range of interest in his mind every day."

Ann Snyder, president and CEO of Interfaith of The Woodlands, spoke of Mitchell's commitment to the area.

"There are truly not enough words to describe what a tremendous businessman, visionary and friend to so many that Mr. Mitchell was," Snyder said. "Because of his tireless efforts spanning the last 40 years, thousands of families and individuals have the opportunity to live and work in our incredible community. He will certainly be missed."